The Post-Dispatch had a quick story on-line yesterday about the expansion of pharmacy giant CVS in the St. Louis market. I was thrilled to see the rejection of a suburban styled CVS is the city's Central West End receive a few column inches. The absolute money line is this: "Longtime residents said the dispute is heightened by the presence of recently arrived neighbors passionate about urban design."

First, our city and neighborhoods need new residents to help lead the drive to a more urban, sustainable future. Second, new residents (and long-time residents of course) can shape their neighborhoods if they choose to become involved. To those of you who have thought about attending a neighborhood meeting or a zoning hearing or other event, do it.

The Post-Dispatch offer a number of comments by neighborhood residents and an indication that CVS has made multiple revisions but appears to be remain short of meeting resident's demands. The story claims that after initial objections that CVS returned with a two-story building, calling it "rare for a CVS standalone store". However, the renderings appear to simply show a two-story false-front which is not the same thing as the implied two-story store. CVS also reportedly offered to move the building to the corner of Lindell and Sarah, but the sticking point seems to be a drive-through with access from the adjacent alley, long hours and the potential of alcohol sales.

{an early site plan – CVS would later offer to move the building to the street corner}

About Alex Ihnen

Alex is the founder of nextSTL.com. He earned a B.A. in Journalism and Masters in Public Affairs at Indiana University and has studied in Adelaide, Australia and Perugia, Italy. Alex can be found on Twitter @alexihnen and reached at [email protected]